The Augustinian Alternative: Religious Skepticism and the Search for a Liberal Politics (Emerging Scholars)

This books central claim is that a close reading of Augustines epistemology can help political theologians develop affirmative accounts of political liberalism. This claim is set in a scholarly context that is profoundly hostile to constructive theological readings of liberal culture. As a corrective to such antagonism this book suggests that far from being natural opponents Christian communities can work fruitfully with political liberals based on common principles. A key component in this argument is the theological reevaluation of the ancient skeptical tradition. While the ancient skeptics are habitually treated by scholars as minor characters in the story of Augustines theological development this volume argues that they played a significant role in shaping both Augustines theology and the subsequent character of the Augustinian tradition. By placing Augustines reading of the skeptics in dialogue with contemporary culture this book constructs a viable form of liberal Christian politics that is attentive both to his sin-sensitive account of public life and his eschatological vision of the church.